Autoblog

Honda could halve its US lineup without crimping its sales much [w/video]

Jeffrey N. Ross — Sat, 18 May 2013 15:13:00 EST

Taking a detailed look at the Honda lineup in the US, it isn't hard to see the strength of some models and the weaknesses of others. A recent report on Autoline Daily points out that its five core models - the Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey and Pilot - make up a full 93 percent of Honda's sales in the US. Through April, Honda has sold 419,798 vehicles, and 389,474 of them were from these core models; not to mention the fact that the Accord was the top-selling car in the US last month.

This means that Honda could technically cut six of its 11 models and only lose about 5,000 sales per month. Of course, this is just some data crunching and there is no reason to believe that Honda is planning to kill off any of its models in the near future. In fact, it seems to be committed to the Ridgeline, while Japanese-made models that may actually lose money for Honda still fill unique voids. Scroll down for the video report - fast-forward to the 1:43 mark for the Honda info.

Continue reading Honda could halve its US lineup without crimping its sales much [w/video]

Honda could halve its US lineup without crimping its sales much [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 May 2013 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda signs on as Pikes Peak sponsor, race participant

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Sedan, Hatchback, Acura, Honda, Motorcycle, Racing

Honda plans to storm the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 30, entering ten cars in nine classes at the race to the sky, and signing on as a corporate sponsor. Part of the company's return to grassroots racing - if that's what you can call factory-backed efforts - the banners of Honda R&D and Honda North America will fly on these entries: a first-gen Acura NSX, an Acura TL SH-AWD, Honda CR-Z, Honda Fit EV, one CRF450R and two CRF250R motorcycles, a CBR1000RR motorcycle and a TRX450 ATV.

One more entry, details of which are to be announced later, will be driven by IndyCar pilot Simon Pagenaud of Schmidt Hamilton HP Motorsports. LoveFab (pictured above during practice last year) will be there with its new, NSX-based Enviate, but as a privateer entry.

Honda's been to the mountain before, with high-powered gear in 2012 and record-setting EVs in 1994 and 1999, but it's never made noise like this. Have a read of the press release below for more info.

Continue reading Honda signs on as Pikes Peak sponsor, race participant

Honda signs on as Pikes Peak sponsor, race participant originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda "losing money" on Japan-built cars like Fit, CR-Z and Insight

Zach Bowman — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Honda

Automotive News reports Honda is currently limiting shipments of models like the Fit, CR-Z and Insight due to Japan's strong yen. The automaker admits it is currently losing money on every Japanese-built model it sells in the U.S. with the exchange rate currently at 80 yen per dollar. Honda is currently working to move more production to North America and source more components from this side of the Pacific, though such a shift will take time. In the interim, the manufacturer is carefully allocating Japanese-manufactured models. Honda says it has no intention to cut off Fit, CR-Z or Insight shipments altogether.

Honda builds around 85 percent of the vehicles it sells in North America on the continent, which is significantly more than companies like Nissan or Toyota. Even so, this marks the first time Honda has gone on the record as saying importing cars from Japan costs more money than it makes.

So, why sell these models at all? Automotive News reports Honda needs the vehicles to keep segments covered and to keep its customers coming back to showrooms.

Honda "losing money" on Japan-built cars like Fit, CR-Z and Insight originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda CR-Z Mugen RR production hopes dashed

Zach Bowman — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Performance, Etc., Hatchback, Honda

If it's too early to start drinking, crack open a cold one anyway. You're gonna need a beer to cry into. Top Gear reports that Honda has no plans to produce the CR-Z Mugen RR Hybrid Concept. Zero. None. While we saw this coming a mile off, some deeply-oppressed optimistic shard of our psyche clung to the hope that Honda would awaken from its performance coma. Alas, no. The world will be denied the CR-Z it deserves.

We probably don't need to remind you that the CR-Z Mugen RR Hybrid Concept makes heavy use of carbon fiber. The doors, hood and front fenders are all formed from the lightweight material, as is a complete underbody tray. With 197 horsepower on tap, the concept clicks off a 0-60 dash in 6.6 seconds, and if you're restrained enough to run it in Eco mode, it can return somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 mpg.

Honda CR-Z Mugen RR production hopes dashed originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Oct 2011 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Intersection magazine decks out a special edition Honda CR-Z [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Hatchback, Honda, Design/Style

The roles of the automaker and the car magazine are well delineated: The former makes the cars, and the latter reports on them. Once in a while, though, we see the two changing hats, as automakers produce their own brand magazines and magazines build their own kit cars and whatnot. But this collaboration, for better or worse, brings the two that much closer. And if any publication was going to break the mold, we suppose it would have to be Intersection.

For those not familiar, Intersection is a different kind of car magazine from what you typically pick up at the news stand - more for fashion-forward hipsters than for grease-monkeys and gearheads. The publication typically features spreads featuring skinny models in skinny jeans next to Nissan Cubes and vintage Volvos - or an Audi submerged in a swimming pool - but for their latest project, the French edition of the magazine teamed up with Honda for the special-edition CR-Z you see here.

The unique hybrid coupe is distinguished by a matte beige paint job with orange steel wheels riding on matching orange tires for the summer, and black wheels with black tires for the winter. Eley Kishimoto outfitted the interior. It was unveiled just the other day at the Galerie Nikki Diana Marquardt in Paris, and while it looks to be a one-off for the time being, Honda France is reportedly considering a limited run for public consumption. Follow the jump for a video (in French) on the paint selection process and check out the images in the gallery for a closer look.

Continue reading Intersection magazine decks out a special edition Honda CR-Z [w/video]

Intersection magazine decks out a special edition Honda CR-Z [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fifth Gear thrashes Honda CR-Z Mugen

Zach Bowman — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Etc., Videos, Hatchback, Honda

When the crew at Mugen finally got around to turning out their take on the Honda CR-Z, we all got pretty excited. With 200 horsepower from the same 1.5-liter IMA engine and motor combination, 100 pounds less weight and a buffet of aftermarket go-fast, stick-hard and brake-harder goodies, the car looked to be what the CR-Z was supposed to offer from the get-go. Honda recently tossed the keys to the good people of Fifth Gear who set to putting the car through its paces in the rolling English countryside.

What'd they find out? While the Mugen CR-Z is decidedly quicker than its factory counterpart, the hatchback is also a bit more of a pain to live with. Stiff springs, an overzealous limited-slip differential and a buzz-happy exhaust make for a car that's more content on the race track than on public streets. Even so, there's little arguing with 200 horsepower in a flingable machine. Hit the jump to check out a video of Fifth Gear's impressions for yourself.

Continue reading Fifth Gear thrashes Honda CR-Z Mugen

Fifth Gear thrashes Honda CR-Z Mugen originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mugen shows Honda CR-Z RR Concept at Goodwood

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Hybrid, Performance, Hatchback, Honda

Honda CR-Z Mugen RR Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mugen is not a name that one would be shocked to hear announced over the Goodwood Festival of Speed PA system. The Honda CR-Z, however, is a car that festival goers would be surprised to see idling ahead of its run up the hill. Upon closer inspection, though, you would see a bunch of aero bits, hear a racy exhaust thump and see the Mugen badge on the rear end. The Mugen CR-Z that we showed off earlier was not the only tuned hybrid two-seater at Goodwood. In fact, it wasn't the only CR-Z that Mugen brought along. Like a lonely Skywalker... there is another.

The Honda CR-Z Mugen RR Concept also showed its aggressive face at the Festival of Speed. The RR Concept goes a step further into the race-ready arena than the Mugen CR-Z. The exterior aero bits are more focused for track use, but there is no word on the performance figures created by what's under the hood. Mugen says this vehicle is being used as a study to help define future performance models. Take a look at it from both angles in our gallery below.

Continue reading Mugen shows Honda CR-Z RR Concept at Goodwood

Mugen shows Honda CR-Z RR Concept at Goodwood originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda Performance Development CR-Z ready to hit Le Mans

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Hatchback, Honda

Honda Performance Development CR-Z - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda is heading to Le Mans. No, we're not talking about the Acura ARX-02a that competes against Audi and Peugeot in the LMP class. Honda Performance Development is taking its race-prepped CR-Z to the 24 Hours of Le Mans to run exhibition laps before the start of the big show.

Currently, the HPD CR-Z serves as pace car for the Speed EuroSeries. It's also spent time running on American soil, when Honda entered the hybrid racer in the Spinal Tap of endurance racing, the 25 Hours of Thunderhill. The car ran wonderfully, finishing 2nd in its class.

The stripped-down racing CR-Z produces 200-horsepower and 201 pound-feet of torque. That energy is funneled through a six-speed manual gearbox, and we're pretty certain the whole setup rotates rather nicely thanks to the 7kWh Li-ion battery pack in the back. Check out more details in our gallery and in the official press release after the jump.

Continue reading Honda Performance Development CR-Z ready to hit Le Mans

Honda Performance Development CR-Z ready to hit Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mugen releases first photos of its supercharged Honda CR-Z

Noah Joseph — Wed, 18 May 2011 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Hybrid, Performance, Hatchback, Honda, UK

Honda CR-Z Mugen - Click above for high-res image gallery

That Honda could have done more with the CR-Z than the lukewarm hybrid sport-hatch that resulted is no big news. But Mugen is here to highlight the point.

After teasing us with some initial details, a rendering and a shot of the engine bay, the pseudo-works Honda tuner has released the first photos of the modified CR-Z it is preparing to unveil at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.

Performance figures haven't been finalized just yet, but earlier, Mugen pegged combined output from the supercharged 1.5-liter four and electric assist at 197 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Combined with the 110 pounds of weight shaved off the chassis, Mugen figures that ought to be enough to make the custom CR-Z match the acceleration times of the Civic Type R.

Unfortunately, this is strictly a concept car for the time being, but there's no telling what could result from enough positive response. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the trio of images in the high-res gallery.

Continue reading Mugen releases first photos of its supercharged Honda CR-Z

Mugen releases first photos of its supercharged Honda CR-Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 May 2011 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda CR-Z Mugen show car to pack 197 horsepower for Goodwood debut

Noah Joseph — Mon, 02 May 2011 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Performance, Hatchback, Honda, Misc. Auto Shows, UK

Honda CR-Z Mugen - Click above for high-res image gallery

Call it anticipation or call it wishful thinking, but reports of a hotter version of the Honda CR-Z have been circulating pretty much ever since the hybrid hatchback hit the market. The CR-Z may be sportier than most hybrids, but when the faithful were expecting a spiritual successor to the iconic CRX with an added jolt of electricity, many were left disappointed.

Along those lines, we have good news, and we have bad news. The good news is that some new details on the hotly anticipated Mugen version of the CR-Z have dropped. The bad news is that it's still strictly a one-off show car, at least for the time being.

The concept car will be revealed in July at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. And when it is, it won't be turbocharged as earlier speculated, but it will be supercharged. With the added benefit of forced induction, the output from the 1.5-liter i-VTEC four that forms the internal combustion part of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system will be increased by 50 percent, and when coupled with the electric component will serve up 200 metric horsepower (197 on our scale) and 181 pound-feet of torque.

To go with the added power, the pseudo-works Honda tuner is also fitting adjustable dampers, a wider track, upgraded brakes and rolling stock, an enhanced aero kit and a weight-reduction regimen. Although Mugen insists it holds no plans for producing its breathed-on hybrid, there's no telling what sufficient demand might yield. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the two engine shots released to join the renderings released previously in the gallery below.

Gallery: Mugen Honda CR-Z Sketches

Continue reading Honda CR-Z Mugen show car to pack 197 horsepower for Goodwood debut

Honda CR-Z Mugen show car to pack 197 horsepower for Goodwood debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 May 2011 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: More details on Honda's hotter CR-Z come to the fore

Aaron Richardson — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Japan, Hatchback, Honda

2011 Honda CR-Z - Click above for high-res image gallery

To hear Autocar tell it, Honda has confirmed that it's working on a faster version of its disappointing CR-Z hybrid. Having suffered the slings and arrows of enthusiast who thought they were getting another CRX, Honda has said they will have a quicker version of the car out when the next-generation IMA hybrid system arrives.

They're keeping mum about what engine the augmented CR-Z will rock, but speculation is that the new model will put down about 160 hp between its gas and electric powerplants. Honda R&D chief Tomohiko Kawanabe says the company is leaning away from a turbo engine because a naturally aspirated set up will work better with the hybrid drive.

Kawanabe also indicates Honda won't let the power increase take away from the current car's fuel efficiency and C02 production numbers, so expect most of the new power to come from an improved electric motor.

The as-yet unnamed sportier CR-Z is still at least a year away, which makes sense, as the new hybrid system isn't expected on our shores until 2012, when it's due in the new Civic. Watch for updates as details emerge.

Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z: Review

Images copyright (C)2011 Steven J. Ewing / AOL

[Source: Autocar]

Report: More details on Honda's hotter CR-Z come to the fore originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Honda CR-Z turbo fast-tracked

Chris Shunk — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Honda

Honda CR-Z Hybrid R concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Honda CR-Z has us a bit stumped. It's interesting looking and it's a sporting handler, but with only 122 horsepower under the hood, power is in sadly short supply. Yes, the CR-Z is also a hybrid, but its 38 miles per gallon combined fuel economy rating is less than impressive.

The solution could be right around the corner. Back in December, the Brits over at Autocar quoted sources who said Honda was planning a turbocharged CR-Z minus the battery pack or electric motor.

Fast-forward a little over a month and the U.K. magazine now reports that the CR-Z turbo is being rushed to production. If there's any truth to the rumors, the boosted hatch will come in 160- and 200-horsepower versions; a healthy bump for such a small vehicle. So what does "fast-tracked" mean in terms of timing? Autocar claims we could see the CR-Z turbo at the Tokyo Motor Show in December.

Given the fact that Autocar neglected to divulge its "sources," we're not quite ready to take the publication at its word. But all the same, Honda must be listening to all the lukewarm reviews regarding the CR-Z, and a production model based on the boosted CR-Z R concept from SEMA could well be the shot in the arm the little three-door needs.

Gallery: SEMA 2010: 2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid R Concept

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Honda CR-Z turbo fast-tracked originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda bringing CR-Z TS-1X concept to Tokyo Auto Salon

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Hybrid, Japan, Hatchback, Honda, Tokyo Auto Salon

The 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon gets underway January 14th, and Honda a is bringing an aggressively-styled CR-Z to the party. Dubbed the Tesutosutadimoderu TS-1X, the two-seater was a standard Honda CR-Z before a set of sporty wheels, body-kit and flat-black paint scheme upped the car's threat level from wallflower to ready-for-war.

We're not going to call this body kit ugly before seeing at least a few more shots of it installed, but if we found out there's a K20 under the hood, we wouldn't be surprised to see it push straight into attack mode and sprout a sweeping red lamp up front. In any case, this won't be the last bit of craziness seen from Tokyo... stay tuned.

[Source: Honda]

Honda bringing CR-Z TS-1X concept to Tokyo Auto Salon originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda so excited about winning Japan Car of the Year that CR-Z gets special edition

Zach Bowman — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Japan, Hatchback, Honda

The 2011 Honda CR-Z may not exactly be sailing to success here in the U.S., but it has managed to walk away with the coveted Japan Car of the Year title. In order to celebrate, Honda has decided to work up a new special edition version of its tiny sport hybrid. Only available in a special "Pearl Dipusafaiaburu" blue paint, the hatch makes use of unique 16-inch alloy wheels and premium metal pedal pads inside. If the color and the wheels don't make this one easy enough to spot, Honda has also gone through the extra effort of placing a "Japan Car of the Year" commemorative sticker on the rear quarter glass behind the driver's side door.

Otherwise, the Japan Car of the Year Edition CR-Z will remain completely stock. Neither fuel economy nor power has been upped in any way. Not surprisingly, it looks like this one will remain a Japanese-only offering. Still, if you like what you see, chances are you could recreate the special edition CR-Z without breaking a sweat - or your bank account for that matter.

[Source: Honda]

Honda so excited about winning Japan Car of the Year that CR-Z gets special edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Jan 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Honda CR-Z gets the K-Series engine it was meant to have

Zach Bowman — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Honda, Specialty

LHT Performace KR-Z - Click above to watch video after the jump

It was only a matter of time before some inventive soul set about curing what ails the 2011 Honda CR-Z; namely, the anemic hybrid drivetrain. It looks like the crew at LHT Performance have gutted the electrified bits and swapped in an honest all-star from the Honda stable - the K20. If you recall, these guys were among some of the first to pull a similar stunt with the first-generation Honda Insight. According to LHT, their creation is the first successful K-Series CR-Z swap to have every vehicle system work as it should, including power steering, air-conditioning and cruise control, along with stability control and the vehicle's anti-lock brake system.

Well, nearly every vehicle system. The integrated motor assist didn't quite survive the transplant, but something tells us we won't be hearing any sobs over that loss. Right now, the shop has only served up a quick video, and there's no footage of the car actually tearing up the street or a track, but we're told more photos are on the way soon. Now, would you rather have this beast or the much rumored 1.6-liter turbocharged CR-Z that Honda is supposedly cooking up? Hit the jump to check it out and decide for yourself. Thanks for the tip, Steven.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Honda CR-Z gets the K-Series engine it was meant to have

Video: Honda CR-Z gets the K-Series engine it was meant to have originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #207: Fun CR-Z, Lincoln's new designer, the return of the Dodge Viper

Dan Roth — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Buick, Dodge, Lincoln, Nissan

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #207 of the Autoblog Podcast is staffed by Chris Shunk, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Chris Paukert. We hit the Autoblog Garage first and then salivate at the possibility of a non-hybrid Honda CR-Z. The defection of Max Wolff to Lincoln from Cadillac is next, and we ponder what that might mean before turning our attention to the return of the Dodge Viper as a 2013 model. We finish with your questions at the end for an hour and thirty-two minutes total. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #207: Fun CR-Z, Lincoln's new designer, the return of the Dodge Viper

In the Autoblog Garage:

2011 Buick Regal
2012 Dodge Durango Citadel
2011 Nissan Versa

News Topics:

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman, Chris Paukert
Runtime: 1:32:44

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
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Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #207: Fun CR-Z, Lincoln's new designer, the return of the Dodge Viper originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CR-Z, Crosstour, Insight sales hurting - Odyssey lone bright spot among new Honda models

Zach Bowman — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Honda, Earnings/Financials

2011 Honda CR-Z - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda has hit rough water with sales of its new CR-Z, Accord Crosstour and Insight models According to Automotive News, the three models are underperforming in a big way.

Take the Insight hybrid, which is falling 40,000 units short of even the most conservative estimates inside the company. Outsold 8-to-1 by its Toyota Prius rival, Honda has only managed to shift 19,325 units through November - the company originally targeted sales of 60,000 to 80,000.

Likewise, thus far this year, Honda has sold nearly 20,000 fewer Crosstour models than its biggest competitor - the Toyota Venza, selling just 25,927 units compared to the Toyota's 43,325. Need we remind you, Honda's original sales goal for the Crosstour was 40,000 units per year, a number we were deeply skeptical of after first driving the vehicle at its launch last November.

Although it hasn't been on the market that long, early sales for Honda's new CR-Z hybrid coupe aren't any more encouraging. Automotive News reports that Honda had conservatively intended to sell around 15,000 of the two-seat hybrids per year, but so far, only 4,373 have made their way off of dealer lots and another 3,000 are currently sitting in inventory. Thankfully, there is one bright spot in the Honda stable - the 2011 Odyssey. The minivan bowed in September, and it's performing well against a minivan segment that has heated up with a range of new competitors.

Automotive News suggests that the problem boils down to a change in Honda's image from a company with compelling products to one that plays it safe. Throw in styling that isn't for everyone and aging (but still selling) models like the CR-V and Accord, and you've got a recipe for decreased market share.

Honda, meanwhile, says that it doesn't focus on market share because that leads to bad habits (read: incentives), instead opting to focus on percentage-increases in vehicles sold. That's a fair strategy, but slow sales of key new models suggest that Honda needs to do some soul-searching. Might we suggest getting back to its roots as an engineering-driven car company?

Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z: Review

Photos copyright (C)2010 Steven Ewing / AOL.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

CR-Z, Crosstour, Insight sales hurting - Odyssey lone bright spot among new Honda models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Submit your questions Autoblog Podcast 207

Dan Roth — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Etc., Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Lincoln, Luxury

Click above to subscribe to The Autoblog Podcast in iTunes

Episode #207 of the Autoblog Podcast is being recorded tonight, and we've put some topics below. Drop us your own feedback and questions or vote on your fellow readers' submissions to help determine what we discuss this evening. You can subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already to hear your question answered.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #207

Subscribe to the Autoblog Podacast and hear your questions asked:
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Submit your questions Autoblog Podcast 207 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda CR-Z Convertible available... as a diecast model

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Hybrid, Honda, Toys/Games

Are you clamoring for a droptop version of the Honda CR-Z hybrid? We didn't think so. But even so, just because Honda won't build you one (though that hasn't been ruled out completely) doesn't mean you can't get your kicks elsewhere.

The gang at Farm of Minds has stumbled upon this diecast model of a CR-Z convertible, giving us a glimpse at what an open-top version of Honda's two-seat hybrid could look like. It certainly isn't the prettiest of scale models, and we dread to think about what the cabrio's rear end looks like with the roof (and hatch) lopped off, but it might be enough to stave off your hybrid/coupe/convertible pangs.

Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z: Review

Gallery photos copyright (C)2010 Steven J. Ewing / AOL

[Source: Farm of Minds via CarScoop]

Honda CR-Z Convertible available... as a diecast model originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda CR-Z wins 2010 Japan Car of the Year

Autoblog Staff — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Etc., Japan, Technology, Hatchback, Honda

2011 Honda CR-Z - Click above for high-res image gallery

For the past 31 years, Japan has selected a Car of the Year award recipient. Over 60 jurors, composed mainly of Japanese journalists, vote on a vehicle worthy of the Car of the Year title, and the auto that receives the most nods drives away with the crown. Last year, that honor went to the redesigned Toyota Prius hybrid, which narrowly edged out the Honda Insight. This year, however, Honda took top honors with its all-new 2011 CR-Z.

Car of the Year jurors praised the CR-Z because of its ability to balance driving pleasure and fuel economy. Jurors also noted that Honda managed to wrap all that high-tech gadgetry inside a unique body design. Upon receiving the award, Honda's president and CEO, Takanobu Ito, stated:

We are very proud that the CR-Z has been selected from the strong contenders of new models as the Car of the Year Japan 2010-2011. This award shows that the public has accepted Honda's aspiration to supply exceptional environmental performance in a fun-to-drive hybrid car at an affordable price, as well as Honda's desire to spread the joy of owning and driving a car. We also believe that this award for the CR-Z reflects the true value of the combined efforts of our business partners and the many others who supported CR-Z development and production. Going forward, Honda intends to bring more joy to an even larger number of customers.

Here in North America, the Honda CR-Z didn't make the cut for the NACTOY short list, but we commend the automaker on its ability to make a huge splash in its home market.

Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z: Review

Photos copyright (C)2010 Steven J. Ewing / AOL

[Source: Japan Car of the Year (translated)]

Honda CR-Z wins 2010 Japan Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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